Data Demonstrate Efficacy of 3 PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer

Angeles Alvarez Secord, MD, a gynecologic oncologist at Duke Cancer Center, discusses the key takeaways on the role of PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer, based on data presented for 3 PARP inhibitors, olaparib (Lynparza), rucaparib (Rubraca), and niraparib (Zejula).

It’s important to be aware of all new studies that are being presented, says Secord. Three studies of PARP inhibitors were presented at the 2019 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress at the same time, which gave physicians the ability to evaluate results altogether. Now all of the agents are FDA approved for the same indication, so these data are important to evaluate to determine their role in ovarian cancer

Secord found it very exciting to see all 3 trials presented at the same meeting because she and other physicians could examine the differences between them in terms of patient populations, drug combinations, and the drugs that were used. She was able to synthesize the information to determine the best treatment for her patients.

The bottom-line is that in select patient populations, specifically those with a BRCA1/2 somatic or germline mutation, there appears to be benefit with PARP inhibitors, particularly based on the data from the PRIMA trial.

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